The Municipality of Tweed held a special council meeting Tuesday night to give residents affected by the July tornado a chance to speak on how it affected them and why help is still needed to clean up the damage.
The municipality hopes to take the photos, images and videos as well as the stories spoken at the meeting and turn it into a report to be brought to the provincial and federal governments to accelerate work on cleanup and recovery after the July tornado.
On July 24, an EF2 tornado ripped through Tweed, as well as the Madoc and Marmora areas, causing significant damage.
According to a survey conducted by the Northern Tornadoes Project from Western University, max winds during the tornado reached upwards of 190km/h.
An estimated 75 people were in attendance to either show support or speak at the meeting.
Also in attendance were members of council including Mayor Don DeGenova, Deputy Mayor Jamie DeMarch, Councillor Jim Flieler and Councillor Peter Valiquette.
Councillor Jacob Palmateer viewed the meeting virtually as he was unable to attend due to the flu.
Centre Hastings Mayor Tom Deline was also in attendance.
“This is the first step by this council to help address the injustices that you have experienced as we work together to right the wrongs you are experiencing,” Mayor DeGenova told the crowd before the meeting began.
No members or representatives from the provincial or federal government were in attendance for the meeting.
Tweed Mayor Don DeGenova giving opening remarks before a special council meeting regarding the July Tornado. December 13, 2022. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
After opening remarks, residents gave their stories one by one recounting their experience during the tornado.
Resident Melanie Roy said she, her husband, their four children and their dog hid in the basement when the tornado rolled through.
“It tore our roof right off the house,” Roy recounted. “So much water came in. We were walking through puddles and puddles of water.”
Roy says not only was their home damaged but the surrounding area as well. She described the trees that were damaged.
“It’s like someone came in and just pushed it down and spread it … and I just don’t know if that’ll ever be cleaned up.”
Roy says the cleanup process after the tornado has been a slow one. “We’re hitting the point where we’re almost five months later, and I’m only just getting a roof on my house as of today,” Roy said.
She says she and her family have been living in a mobile home in front of the damaged home to try and give some normalcy to the kids.
“Finding housing is a struggle for a family of six.” Roy added.
Melanie Roy describing her and her family’s experience during the July tornado. December 13, 2022. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
Another resident spoke about how time is running out to try and get the debris cleaned up from the storm.
Lynn Prest described the damage to her home.
“Our roof blew off. We sat in the basement, myself, my husband and my son while it happened. (We were) scared to death and it was like our life was ending and I just came back to life six months before.”
Over a year ago, Prest was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She says she and her family have been trying to get a building permit since the tornado went through to try and rebuild the home but the debris left from the tornado has led to a delay.
Prest said, “All we want to do is build a frigging house so our family could live in it and I can get a few more years hopefully.”
She said time is running out to get the damage resolved.
“I am one of the very few that do not have time. I’m at 12 to 14 months right now … I can tell everybody all I want but for some reason nobody gets it.”
Lynn Prest describing the damage to her home at the special council meeting regarding the July tornado in Tweed. December 13, 2022. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
Some who spoke at the meeting spoke of the cost of cleanup and damages to their property. Costs ranged from tens of thousands of dollars to $200,000.
Others spoke about connections to loggers who could potentially help those affected by the devastation.
After residents finished speaking, council and Mayor DeGenova spoke about how they will be bringing the information to provincial and federal members of government to try and help the people of Tweed.
“We can make no promises but we will assure you that we will do everything that we possibly can, as a council, to ensure that your interests are protected and you get the resources you need to help you work your way through this,” Mayor DeGenova told the crowd.
Those who were unable to attend the meeting can still submit videos and photos at tornado@tweed.ca or share their story by contacting the Municipality of Tweed at 613–478–2535.
